Trump signed Executive Order 14253, “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History” targeting Smithsonian museums. Order prohibits exhibits that “degrade shared American values, divide Americans based on race, or promote programs inconsistent with Federal law.” Specifically targets American Art Museum and National Museum of African American History and Culture for portraying, “American and Western values as inherently harmful.” Bans Women's History Museum from exhibits celebrating trans women.
Order attempts government censorship of independent museums documenting accurate history. Closes Office of Diversity, freezes hiring. Attempts to erase racism from US history.
In July 2026 the White House followed with a report attacking the National Museum of American History and a second executive order, EO 14416, which says the Smithsonian's leadership “cannot be trusted” and orders Park Service signs outside the museum (see Trump's Second Smithsonian Order Says Its Leaders 'Cannot Be Trusted' and Puts Park Service Signs Outside the History Museum).